Weathervanes have been an architectural ornament for hundreds of years, and still enjoy immense popularity today. Both beautiful and functional, weathervanes sit on the highest point of the roof, or grace the cap of a cupola, to show the direction of the wind. The most popular design is the traditional rooster, with letters on the rod indicating the points of the compass.

​At Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes, we take pride in the beauty of our weathervanes. All of our weathervanes are 3-dimensional and made from the finest copper. The sculptural detail of our weathervanes adds a touch of elegance to any rooftop. And with over 130 designs to choose from, you are sure to find one you love!

Frequently Asked Questions About Weathervanes

Q: How does a weathervane work? How is it made?A: The assembly portion of a weathervane is made up of the post, compass points, and globes, which do not turn. The figure is the only moving part, and is designed so that the greatest amount of mass is to one side of the spindle. This creates resistance for the wind, and the wind pushes the heavy end away until the slim front edge of the vane faces into the wind.

Q: How do I tell the wind direction from a weathervane?A: A properly designed and balanced weathervane will point into the wind. In other words, the figure will always be facing the direction from where the wind is blowing. The compass points help you determine the wind’s direction. If the figure is pointing toward the ‘S’, the wind is coming out of the South and is therefore a Southerly wind.

Q: Should I take my weathervane down if a storm is coming?A: Most weathervanes can handle winds up to 60 miles per hour. Beyond this it is best to remove the figure and compass until the storm has passed. If your figure has large horizontal surfaces (like wings), you need to install a retaining hook to keep it from “flying” away. It’s recommended that you periodically inspect your weathervane to ensure the figure is spinning freely.

Q: There are so many options, how do I choose the right weathervane?A: The “right” weathervane is the one that speaks to you; the one that best displays your personality or interests. Weathervane design has always been linked to pride, often representing business, trade, or even prized livestock.

Call Us For All Your Weathervane Needs

Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes is a family-owned and operated business that has been selling handmade cupolas, weathervanes, and finials since 2001. We take pride in our unsurpassed customer service, working with our customers to ensure 100% satisfaction.

If you want to add beauty and functionality to your roofline, call us today at 866-400-1776 and invest in one of our handcrafted weathervanes.

Leave a Reply.

​A Little

About Us

We are the "Cupola Specialists" who can help you with every aspect of your cupola selection. Let us do a customized digital quote so that you can see exactly how one of our beautiful vinyl or wood cupolas will look on your roof.